Eddie Serrato
December 5, 1945 – February 24, 2011
Eddie Serrato was the original drummer for the legendary Michigan garage band, ? and the Mysterians. It is he you can hear playing on their classic hit, “96 Tears.” Formed when Serrato was recruited from a local Mexican band in 1962, ? and the Mysterians went on to be called by some as the world’s first punk band – if not exactly that, they were without a doubt one of the first Latin rock bands to score a #1 pop hit in America. The success of that record – which has been covered live or recorded by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Iggy Pop, Garland Jeffreys, and Aretha Franklin – was enough to get the band a nationally televised performance on American Bandstand. The group released several more moderately successful records throughout the rest of the ’60s, many of which were co-written by Serrato. He left the band 1968, with ? and various configurations of the Mysterians, both with and without him, continuing to perform well into the 2000s. Serrato himself went on to produce Tejano music during the latter part of his life. On February 24, 2011, Eddie Serrato died of a heart attack at a local hospital where he had been recuperating from an undisclosed surgery. He was 65.
Thanks to Su for the assist.
What You Should Own
Wow, I loved this band! R.I.P. Eddie. I grew up in Southern CA and this band was huge. I was in eighth grade with this song came out and there were all sorts of rumors about what this song meant. HA. Thanks for your posting of those musicians who are no longer with us but who definitely left a mark.
Thank you for your kind words, Beth. And thanks for visiting.
Vince
Eddie was my father. He was a wonderful man, who will be deeply missed. Thank you so much for posting this, I will share this with my family.
I am sorry for your loss, Serena.
Thank you for stopping by my blog
Vince
Serena, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I would really like to know you…you probably don’t know this but I knew him from Chicago, he was friends with my parents. There are alot of things that I would like to discuss with you if possible. I cried when I read about his death, because I wished I could of contacted him sooner! If you contact me by e-mail I’m sure I can cure your curiosity. Thank You and I hope to hear from you!